DNA Structure
What is the shape of DNA?
Double helix
What does RNA stand for?
Ribonucleic Acid
What is transcription?
The process of copying DNA into RNA.
What is translation?
The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.
What is a mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence.
What is the sugar found in DNA?
Deoxyribose
Name the three types of RNA.
mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA
Where does transcription occur?
In the nucleus (in eukaryotic cells).
Where does translation occur?
At the ribosome (in the cytoplasm).
Name the two categories of gene mutations
Point mutation and Frameshift mutation
What type of bonds hold the DNA bases together?
Hydrogen bonds
How does RNA differ from DNA?
RNA is single-stranded, uses ribose instead of deoxyribose, and contains uracil instead of thymine.
Name the enzyme involved in transcription?
RNA polymerase
What is a long sequence of amino acids called?
Polypeptide chain
Name two causes of mutations
Environmental factors, errors in DNA replication, chemicals
What are the three components of a nucleotide?
1. Sugar
2. Phosphate
3. Nitrogenous base
What is the role of mRNA?
mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Where is the purpose of the promoter region?
It's the sequence of DNA that signals the start of transcription.
Define codon.
A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for an amino acid.
How do mutations affect protein synthesis?
Mutations can alter the amino acid sequence of a protein, potentially affecting its function.
Describe the function of DNA.
DNA stores genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis.
What two structures does every tRNA molecule contain?
Each tRNA molecule has one amino acid and a three base anticodon sequence
Describe what happens during mRNA processing
The removal of introns from pre-mRNA and joining of exons to create mature mRNA
What happens when a stop codon is reached?
The polypeptide chain is released which folds into a protein and the mRNA detaches from the ribosome
Almost all mutations have what effect on an organisms ability to survive and reproduce
Neutral or no effect